Going on Erasmus to Poland is a great opportunity for learning and development, but it requires solid preparation – especially in terms of insurance. Below you’ll find a specialized, concrete guide that clearly explains how a student should secure medical costs, accident insurance, liability insurance, and other essential elements during their stay in Poland.
Key Takeaways
- EHIC is not enough – every student coming to Poland for Erasmus must purchase additional insurance, including accident and liability coverage.
- Medical treatment and rescue costs insurance is particularly important if you plan to travel around Poland, use private healthcare, or engage in sports.
- The best choice for students staying in Poland are EURO26 World or ISIC cards, but only if their coverage includes Poland.
- Lack of liability insurance may mean having to cover damages in a rented room – that’s why many landlords require it.
- Insurance should be arranged before arrival and confirmed with the university – it’s a necessary condition to start mobility.
Erasmus Insurance – What is it about?
Erasmus insurance is a set of mandatory and additional policies that protect the student during medical treatment abroad, accidents, damages, and civil liability during their stay and study in another country.
When going on Erasmus to Poland, you must be properly insured – both at a basic level (EHIC) and extended (accident, liability, medical costs, and rescue). Each university requires confirmation of policies before signing the agreement.
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EHIC – Basic Health Protection During your Stay in Poland
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) confirms that the student has the right to treatment in public healthcare on the same terms as citizens of the given country.
For people coming to Poland, this means:
- access to public medical care without additional fees, if the given service is also free for Poles,
- the ability to use a general practitioner, basic diagnostics, hospital, and emergency care.
Note: EHIC doesn’t cover everything. You pay for the same services that are paid for by Poles. EHIC doesn’t cover:
- medical transport to your home country,
- full mountain rescue,
- private visits and examinations,
- damage caused to other people,
- costs of an accompanying person’s stay,
- consequences of accidents (accident insurance).
Therefore, if you want full protection, additional insurance is necessary.
Is EHIC Enough During Erasmus in Poland?
No. EHIC doesn’t cover accident and liability insurance, so the student must purchase additional policies to be fully insured during their stay.
The sending institution often requires presenting purchased policies even before signing the Erasmus agreement. In practice, every Polish academic institution recommends (and some require) additional insurance:
- Accident insurance,
- Liability insurance,
- Medical costs,
- Rescue costs.
What Additional Insurance is Mandatory During Erasmus in Poland?
1. Accident Insurance
Covers compensation for permanent health impairment, e.g., fractures, injuries, burns.
Why is it crucial?
Accidents during sports activities, trips, cycling, or urban sports in Poland are common. Accident insurance provides financial security in such situations.
2. Liability Insurance
Protects when a student causes damage to third parties – e.g., destroys university equipment, damages a rented room, or causes an accident on a scooter.
Landlords in Poland very often require tenant liability insurance.
3. Medical Costs Insurance
Although the level of public health protection in Poland is good, EHIC doesn’t cover:
- some examinations,
- services that are paid for in Poland,
- private consultations (and there are long waiting times for specialists in Poland).
Medical costs insurance provides access to private medical care, so the student doesn’t have to wait for an appointment.
Popular Student Policies: EURO26 and ISIC
Most often, students opt for ready-made insurance packages: EURO26 or ISIC.
Comparison of EURO26 and ISIC Insurance
| Parameter | EURO26 World | ISIC World | ISIC 360 |
| Price | 97 PLN | 105 PLN | 149 PLN |
| Validity | 12 months | up to 16 months (depending on edition) | 12 months |
| Coverage | Accident, Liability, Medical Costs, Assistance | Accident, Medical Costs, Rescue Costs | Accident, Medical Costs, Rescue Costs |
| Area | worldwide (excluding USA and Canada) | worldwide (excluding USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) | worldwide (excluding USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Poland) |
| Accident Insurance in Poland | yes | no (can be added for 39 PLN) | none (can be added) |
| For whom | mainly Europe | students traveling more often outside Europe | intensive international mobility |
Which Card to Choose?
- For staying in Poland, EURO26 World is the most cost-effective as it provides the widest coverage and works in Poland and abroad.
- ISIC will work if you plan frequent trips to other EU countries and outside Europe.
How to get Insured before Going to Study Abroad?
Required by most universities:
- EHIC – basic.
- Accident insurance – mandatory.
- Liability insurance – very often required by universities and room landlords.
- Private medical costs – strongly recommended.
Before going on Erasmus to Poland, you must purchase accident and liability insurance and make sure you have EHIC and extended medical costs coverage.
What to Do when You get Sick During Erasmus in Poland?
In case of illness, the student should go to a public doctor with EHIC or a private one if they have medical costs insurance.
The simplest action scheme:
- Family doctor in a public clinic – with EHIC, most consultations are free.
- Private consultations – if you need quick access to a specialist.
- Emergency care or hospital – free in life-threatening situations.
- Refunds – if you have to pay for a service, submit a request to NFZ for cost reimbursement after returning.
Example:
A student from Norway had gallbladder removal surgery in Poland. The operation was free, but he paid for the hospital stay. Additional insurance covered most of the costs.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Students coming to Poland for Erasmus can benefit from special needs funding programs:
- care funding,
- travel,
- educational materials,
- additional medical costs.
In Poland, the receiving institution cooperates with the sending institution to ensure accessibility and support.
Mental Health Issues During Stay – where to Seek Help?
Polish universities offer free psychological support for Erasmus+ students.
Available are:
- psychological consultations,
- workshops,
- crisis interventions,
- English-speaking specialists.
In case of crisis – contact your Erasmus coordinator at your university.
Nearby Expert Advice
“When coming to Poland for Erasmus, be sure to purchase liability insurance covering damage to the apartment. Landlords of rented rooms are increasingly requiring this, and lack of liability insurance may mean having to cover the costs of flooding, a cracked sink, or damaged equipment. These are the most common problems students come to us with, seeking support.”
Nearby helps Erasmus students find safe student rooms!
Can Illness Interrupt an Erasmus Stay?
Yes, but the Erasmus+ program allows ending the stay due to force majeure, without the obligation to return the scholarship.
Medical documentation and reporting the situation to the coordinator are required.
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Arriving in a new country is a big challenge, but accommodation doesn’t have to be a problem. That’s why if you’re looking for a student room in Warsaw, use Nearby’s offer. Verified apartments, perfect for international students, await you. Quick, safe, and in English!
Summary – What Insurance is Essential During Erasmus in Poland?
For a student to be fully insured during their stay in Poland, they must:
- have EHIC,
- purchase accident insurance,
- purchase liability insurance,
- check the scope of medical costs and rescue costs in their policy,
- ensure that the policy works in Poland and covers treatment abroad,
- provide documents to the university before departure.
Well-chosen policies protect against high costs, unforeseen damages, sudden health problems, and formal complications.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is insurance mandatory for a student going on Erasmus to Poland?
Yes, mandatory insurance includes EHIC and additional policies that will provide coverage for accident and liability insurance. Each participant must present documents before starting their stay abroad.
2. Can I purchase insurance from any insurance company?
Yes, a student can insure themselves with a chosen company, as long as it meets the insurance conditions required by the university within the Erasmus program. It’s important that the policy covers medical costs, liability, and assistance.
3. Are ISIC or EURO26 cards sufficient as insurance for Erasmus?
Yes, ISIC with insurance and EURO26 usually meet all requirements as they include medical costs, accident, liability, and assistance. It’s also a student ID that provides discounts in many places during travel abroad.
4. Does the policy cover medical costs abroad when I have EHIC?
EHIC doesn’t provide coverage for private services, so you need to get additional insurance with a policy. Travel insurance extends access to private healthcare and quick services.
5. Can I shorten or extend the insurance period during my stay?
You can extend or change insurance during your trip, if the insurer allows it. It’s worth checking the extension rules before going abroad.
6. Are ISIC and ITIC policies equivalent?
ISIC is for students, while ITIC is for academic teachers. Both variants provide access to discounts and may include travel insurance.
7. Does additional insurance cover the costs of rehabilitation treatments or return to the country?
Yes, appropriate travel insurance can cover rehabilitation or medical transport if the insurance sums provide for it. It’s worth checking this in the General Terms and Conditions, especially if you plan to spend your stay in another country actively.
